Fishermen and divers are being asked to assist in a conservation study into the black grouper.

The Department of Environmental Protection is appealing to the public to help gather information as to where the fish spawn and how long they are at these sites. The data will then be used to assess the effectiveness of seasonally-protected area closures, and whether these periods should be extended.

For the past two months, Department staff have been catching black grouper to implant acoustic tags in their stomachs. The tags then transmit a signal which can be detected by special underwater receivers. Staff have also been inserting three-inch long external yellow 'spaghetti' tags into the muscle of fish, under their soft dorsal fins.

Black grouper, like most grouper species, gather to spawn (reproduce). But these spawning aggregations take place at predictable times and places, making the species vulnerable to overfishing as catch rates are high at these sites.

The Department's study site is in a seasonally-protected area which will remain closed to fishing until August 31. The research is expected to last three years.

Director of Environmental Protection, Dr. Fred Ming, said: "This study is vitally important in learning more about this important species so that we can ensure their continued survival in Bermuda's waters."

Any fisherman who catches a black grouper should check for the yellow tags, releasing any tagged fish. Commercial and recreational fishermen are also encouraged to notify the Department of tag numbers, the date, location and depth of water in which the fish was caught.

If the fish is retained, all tags (external and internal), should be returned to the Department of Environmental Protection at the Botanical Gardens or to the Marine Resources Section Office on Coney Island.

The public is reminded that there is a bag limit of one black grouper per boat per day.

For more information, contact Acting Senior Marine Resources Officer, Dr. Tammy Trott, on 293 5600 ext 2225.